Natural and supplemental immune boosters can be incorporated along with the all-important flu shot to help ward off the flu at this time of year.
Heidi McGill, a naturopathic doctor and founder of the Healing Foundations Naturopath Clinic in Guelph, has some suggestions for staying healthy.
McGill recommends attention to proper nutrition, hydration, exercise, breathing, rest and stress reduction are paramount to overall health and the immune system’s ability to effectively remove any invader be it a flu-type virus, other microorganisms, food allergen, chemical substance, environmental pollution and antigens like pollen, dust, dander.
The Healing Foundation suggests it is better to use a supplement of Vitamin C during viral and bacterial infections.
“Contrary to popular belief it is best to avoid orange juice, oranges and grapefruit, despite their excellent Vitamin C content, during a cold or flu because other components in these foods promote mucous and congestion in many people. It is better to use a supplement of Vitamin C during viral and bacterial infections," McGill says.
Donna Vazquez, a Guelph-based usui reiki master, recommends starting the day with a quiet meditation which helps her to connect with a spiritual life force.
To stay healthy she takes supplements along with beginning her day with a simple morning ritual of connecting spirit while practicing reiki through the day helps ease life stresses and to quiet the mind.
At New Age Health on Wyndham Street in Downtown Guelph, owner Vahid Walji, who has been running the store since 1982 recommended several products to help boost immune systems, as does Colette Babin, a 17-year employee from Stone Store Natural Foods on Commercial Street.
Babin said to “keep things simple” when selecting products which help us during this season.
Babin's Recommendations:
Probiotic: Renew Life Brand, 50 Billion is good for any time of the year and helps to build immunity, it helps restore the healthy gut flora.
Elderberry Zinc Lozenges: Zinc, a nutrient found throughout your body, helps your immune system and metabolism function. Elderberry Zinc Lozenges are a great way to help ease a sore throat and help fight bacteria. Zinc can also be taken in a capsule formula.
Echinacea: It is a perennial plant, the herbal formula encourages the immune system and helps reduce the symptoms of colds, flus and helps to fight infection.
Deep Immunity: This product brand manufactured by, St. Francis is available for adults and kids. You just put a few drops in your beverage daily, or it is available in a capsule formula. It has a lot of Chinese herbs in the formula which help support our Western lifestyles.
Walji's recommendations:
Vitamin D: Also known as the sunshine vitamin. People are often vitamin D deficient; this is a good time of year to increase your intake with a supplement as you may not be getting an adequate supply in your food and with the lack of sunshine in our area.
Vitamin C: The product Medi – C- Plus is a great supplement formula brand, it has 2000 mg of vitamin C in each dosage, available in a powder or a capsule formula. The powder can be mixed in a drink and has a pleasant fruity taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is great, it has natural compounds that help fight germs called alliin. A high quality garlic capsules formula may be alternative if you don’t want to eat fresh or powdered garlic.
Ginger: Ginger is a natural root. It can be eaten fresh or dried, along with a capsule formula. Ginger can be mixed with honey and lemon for a soothing hot drink.
